Is Your Dog Waking You Up?
Hello, and welcome back.
With all this light, shouldn’t we be feeling energised right now? Not always, as Linda discussed last time…. especially if your dog is waking you up at the crack of dawn!
I’m sure you’ve probably heard of animals being ‘nocturnal’, meaning they’re most active at night. But have you heard of the term ‘crepuscular’ before? It’s used to describe creatures who are most active at dawn and dusk. In their wild, natural state, dogs would follow this ‘crepuscular’ pattern of activity.
In fact many domesticated animals are ‘crepuscular’ by nature, but end up moving over to a human pattern of rest - at least at night - as they follow the cues of human rest and mealtimes / activity within the household.
But long, brighter mornings can throw a spanner in the works. - especially for younger dogs who may not have formed solid daily routines as yet.
If you’re finding your dog is waking up early, causing you to feel less rested, then I have a few top tips to help you try to prolong their sleep.
Close windows and blinds to create more darkness. It might sound pretty obvious, but if your dog is sleeping away from you, they may be in a room with lighter curtains than you have inside your bedroom. Try and block out as much light as possible.
Feed a snack before bed. Some dogs struggle to rest for long periods when hungry. If your dog either struggles with hunger pukes in the morning or appears desperate for breakfast, a little snack before bed can be useful. Try something slow release carb-wise such as cooked sweet potato or quinoa - and add a little serotonin-boosting turkey.
White noise! If neighbours around you are rising earlier due to the lighter mornings, your dog may be disturbed by car doors banging or chatter outside your home. Having white noise playing overnight can create a buffer that helps dampen external sounds.
Use your dog’s brain. We often focus on the physical needs of our dogs, ignoring their need for a mental workout. A little brain activity before bed can be really useful, especially if your dog hasn’t been able to walk far on hot days. Ten mins of training an hour before rest will allow your dog to comfortably slide into a long sleep.
Do you have any tips that have helped your dog sleep in for longer? Please do share them!
Until next time, sleep well!
Caroline